This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with Engaging Networks on their Growth team. As the first Engaging Networks intern through the Leading EDGE Program from the Nonprofit Alliance, I couldn’t have been happier to be selected for a position that directly connected me to the world of social good while aligning perfectly with my career goal: to work as a data analyst in the nonprofit sector.
Now that the summer is over and I’m back to pursuing my studies, I thought I’d share some of the highlights of what I learned through this important step toward my career goals.
Diving into Data for Social Good
My internship was a journey of research and analysis, connecting me to the world of social good in a truly meaningful way. I spent many afternoons exploring different databases, discovering nonprofits and causes I hadn’t even heard of before.
Under the guidance of my supportive supervisor, Annmarie, it was inspiring to learn about the transformative work these organizations do, and the deeper I dove into the data, the more I appreciated how our software could help them amplify their impact.
For my data analysis project, I analyzed attendance and feedback from Engaging Networks’ three annual conferences in London, Toronto, and Washington, D.C. I identified key trends to inform future planning, such as the popularity of specific workshops and the desire for enhanced networking opportunities. It became clear that everyone loves attending the ENCC to forge meaningful connections and learn from real-world case studies.
I also had the fantastic opportunity to collaborate with the accounting team on a cost-benefit analysis. This project gave me valuable insights into how Engaging Networks successfully balances growth with its mission-driven impact for nonprofits around the world.
Building Connections Beyond the Zoom Screen
Initially, the thought of working remotely was a bit intimidating, and I worried it might feel isolating. However, my team — better known as “the Dream Team” — made it anything but that.
My coworkers were not only highly knowledgeable and passionate about the digital nonprofit space, but also exceptionally friendly and approachable.
Through one-on-one meetings, I gained a deeper understanding of their diverse roles within the company. We shared memes, exchanged adorable pet pictures, and got to know each other beyond our professional responsibilities, which made my summer experience a lot of fun.
The capstone of my internship was attending The Bridge Conference, an annual event that is the largest professional gathering for nonprofits in the United States. Getting the chance to travel, network, and meet my colleagues in person was unforgettable. Engaging with professionals during lunch and participating in different sessions greatly increased my understanding of nonprofit fundraising and marketing.
The Power of Data to Drive Change
These experiences enhanced my confidence in utilizing databases and sharpened my skills in Excel, data analysis, and visualization. I developed a richer understanding of how software can support a nonprofit’s fundraising, marketing, and advocacy efforts.
I am deeply grateful for my time at Engaging Networks, as it firmly reinforced my belief in the power of data as a tool for social good and fueled my enthusiasm for a career that blends analytics with meaningful nonprofit impact.
Graduate Student at the University of Chicago
Master of Science – Civic Analytics, Spring 2027
